e-mail : cmct@chiangmai-online.com
[Chiang Mai Carnival Tour T.A.T. LICENSE 23-0137 chiangmai-carnival.com]

Kruba Srivichai Monument and Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep

A steep road meandering for 12 km (7.5 miles) up the flanks of the mountain ('Doi') leads to Doi Suthep - the beautiful and cool location of Wat Prathat and the Royal Winter palace west of Chiang Mai. On the way, Kruba Srivichai Monument (which honours the "Engineer Monk" whose followers built the first motor road up the mountain in 1935) is a popular halting-place where you can pay your respects and perhaps say a prayer.

Kruba Srivichai Monument

Situated 7 kms from town, the monument was built to commemorate Kruba Srivichai, who saw the hardship of the climb and initiated a plan to construct a road up Suthep Mountain to the temple and monastery. The man and therefore the monument are highly popular among the local Thais who regularly come here to make wishes. If the wishes come true, the wisher will return and present flowers or wooden elephants in thanks for the bounty provided.

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep

Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, perched high on the flank of Suthep Mountain, 1,022 m (3,000ft) above sea level, is Chiang Mai's most famous temple. The pagoda in its centre contains some of the relics of the Lord Buddha. The temple is visited thoughout the year by thousands of tourists and Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.

According to legend, the temple's site was selected by an auspicious elephant. The story goes that a monk named Sumana placed half of a Buddha relic on an elephant's back and set it loose. It was decided that when the elephant stopped walking, a temple would be built on that exact spot to house the gem ... Instead of stopping at an easy site, the elephant began climbing the hill - and finally paused on the brow. This was where Wat Prathat Doi Suthep was built by King Kuna in 1388...

The temple is approached by climbing a steep Naga (serpent) staircase comprising 304 steps (however, you can also ascend by funicular railway).

Phuping Palace

After Doi Suthep, the road continues to climb through pine forest to Phuping Palace on Doi Buak Ha, 22 kms from town. Phuping Palace, built in 1962, is a summer residence of the royal family, used as headquarters for overseeing development projects in northern Thai and hilltribe villages. The beautiful flower gardens (cf.Northern Route) are open to the public from 8.30am to 4.00pm Friday to Sunday and on official holidays.

Doi Pui Village

A 'seelor' (red pick-up converted in local taxi) will continue for about 3Km to the Hmong tribal village of Doi Pui - which will give you vignettes of modern hilltribe life. Of interest in the village are also the Opium Museum and the Hilltribe Museum. For centuries, the tribe has been an opium grower of importance. The Opium Museum documents how the crop is cultivated and processed, and displays some of the implements used in opium production. The Hilltribe Museum exhibits those used in the Hmong daily life.

e-mail : cmct@chiangmai-online.com
[Chiang Mai Carnival Tour T.A.T. LICENSE 23-0137 chiangmai-carnival.com]

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